Casing for an ink cartridge

ABSTRACT

A casing ( 9, 10 ) for a cartridge ( 5 ) which is adapted for supplying print media ( 12 ) and an ink to an inkjet printhead with which the cartridge ( 5 ) is engaged, the casing ( 9, 10 ) including: 
         a core ( 6 ) rotatably mounted inside the casing ( 9, 10 ) which is adapted to support a roll of print media ( 12 );    an ink supply inside the core ( 6 ); and    at least one ink outlet at one end of the core ( 6 ) for establishing fluid communication between the ink supply and the printhead.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/144,805 filed Jun. 6, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.10/831,236 filed Apr. 26, 2004, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/112,743 filed on Jul. 10, 1998, now issued asU.S. Pat. No. 6,727,951, all of which are herein incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to digital cameras and in particular, theonboard processing of image data captured by the camera.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, digital cameras have become increasingly popular. Thesecameras normally operate by means of imaging a desired image utilising acharge coupled device (CCD) array and storing the imaged scene on anelectronic storage medium for later down loading onto a computer systemfor subsequent manipulation and printing out. Normally, when utilising acomputer system to print out an image, sophisticated software mayavailable to manipulate the image in accordance with requirements.

Unfortunately such systems require significant post processing of acaptured image and normally present the image in an orientation to whichit was taken, relying on the post processing process to perform anynecessary or required modifications of the captured image. Also, much ofthe environmental information available when the picture was taken islost. Furthermore, the type or size of the media substrate and the typesof ink used to print the image can also affect the image quality.Accounting for these factors during post processing of the capturedimage data can be complex and time consuming.

The present Applicant addresses these issues with a digital camerahaving an image processor takes account of the lighting conditions atthe time of image capture, and confirms the type of ink and media, inorder to enhance the quality of the printed image. This camera isdescribed below and in many of the cross referenced documentsincorporated herein by reference.

One particular feature of this camera is the instant production ofpersonalised postcards using an inbuilt printhead. This requires a mediacartridge that holds a reasonable amount of print media while remainingcompact enough to keep the overall dimensions of the camera andcartridge acceptable to users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a media cartridge forsupplying print media to a printhead, the cartridge comprising:

a roll of print media;

a casing with a rotatable core for supporting the media roll;

an ink supply within the core;

at least one ink outlet at one end of the core for establishing fluidcommunication between the ink supply and the printhead;

a drive roller assembly for engaging an external drive to feed the printmedia to the printhead; wherein,

the longitudinal axes of the core, and rollers of the drive rollerassembly are parallel.

A media cartridge adopting this design is particularly compact, has ahigh media and ink capacity and relatively cost effective tomanufacture. The majority of the components can be made from injectionmolded plastics and snap fitted together.

In some embodiments, the core is segmented with different coloured inksstored in each of the segments, wherein each of the segments has arespective ink outlet in the end of the core.

Preferably, the drive roller assembly comprises at least one mediade-curling roller; such that,

as the media is fed to the printhead, it wraps around a portion of theat least one de-curling roller to remove residual curl caused by storageas a roll.

Providing the media in a roll allows the cartridge to be small andcompact. However, the curl imparted to the media from being stored as aroll can interfere with printing when the media substrate passes theprinthead. Using a de-curling roller within the drive rollers canstraighten the media enough for flat engagement with the platen oppositethe printhead.

The invention will be described with respect to its use with a digitalcamera with an inbuilt printhead. However, it will be appreciated thatthis is merely illustrative and the invention has clear application inmany other fields.

Preferably, the cartridge has one de-curling roller and two pinchrollers, wherein the pinch rollers maintain the media substrate wrappedaround the required portion of the de-curling roller. In a furtherpreferred form, one of the pinch rollers is driven. In some forms, thedriven pinch roller has a geared axle that extends beyond the casing forengagement with an external drive source via a corresponding gear.

Preferably, and an outer cover enclosing the roll and the drive rollerassembly, the outer cover comprising two interengaging side moldingsthat snap lock together to form a media outlet slot adjacent the driveroller assembly. Preferably, one side of the slot has a resilient guideextending away from the slot for resilient engagement with a paper pathleading to the printhead upon installation of the cartridge. Inparticular embodiments, the printhead is controlled by an imageprocessor and the cartridge further comprises an authentication chip forconfirming the suitability of the ink and the media to the imageprocessor.

In a particularly preferred form, the cartridge is configured forengagement with a cartridge interface such that the ink outletsestablish fluid communication with the printhead, the image processoraccesses the authentication chip, the geared axle of the drive rollerengages the external drive and the resilient guide extending from theoutlet slot engages the paper feed path, in a single installationaction.

According to a related aspect, there is provided a digital camera foruse with a media cartridge comprising a supply of media substrate onwhich images can be printed, and an information store with informationrelating to the media substrate, the camera comprising:

an image sensor for capturing an image;

an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor andtransmitting processed data to a printhead; and,

a cartridge interface for accessing the information such that the imageprocessor can utilise the information relating to the media substrate.

The camera accesses information about the media substrate so that theimage processor can utilise the information to enhance the quality ofthe printed image.

Preferably, the media substrate has postcard formatting printed on itsreverse surface so that the camera can produce personalised postcards,and the information store has the dimensions of the postcard formattingto allow the image processor to align printed images with the postcardformatting.

In a further preferred form the cartridge further comprises an inksupply for the printhead and the information store is an authenticationchip that allows the image processor to confirm that the media substrateand the ink supply is suitable for use with the camera.

According to a related aspect, there is provided a digital camera forsensing and storing an image, the camera comprising:

an image sensor with a charge coupled device (CCD) for capturing imagedata relating to a sensed image, and an auto exposure setting foradjusting the image data captured by the CCD in response to the lightingconditions at image capture; and,

an image processor for processing image data from the CCD and storingthe processed data; wherein,

the image processor is adapted to use information from the auto exposuresetting relating to the lighting conditions at image capture whenprocessing the image data from the CCD.

Utilising the auto exposure setting to determine an advantageousre-mapping of colours within the image allows the processor to producean amended image having colours within an image transformed to accountof the auto exposure setting. The processing can comprise re-mappingimage colours so they appear deeper and richer when the exposure settingindicates low light conditions and re-mapping image colours to bebrighter and more saturated when the auto exposure setting indicatesbright light conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of thepresent invention, preferred forms of the invention will now bedescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the method of operation of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a form of print roll ready for purchase by aconsumer;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view, partly in section, of analternative form of a print roll;

FIG. 4 is a left side exploded perspective view of the print roll ofFIG. 3; and,

FIG. 5 is a right side exploded perspective view of a single print roll.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment is preferable implemented through suitableprogramming of a hand held camera device such as that described in thepresent applicant's application entitled “A Digital Image PrintingCamera with Image Processing Capability”, the content of which is herebyspecifically incorporated by cross reference and the details of which,and other related applications are set out in the tables below.

The aforementioned patent specification discloses a camera system,hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images canbe directly printed out by an Artcam portable camera unit. Further, theaforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performingvarious manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing deviceleading to the production of various effects in any output image. Themanipulations are disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can beimplemented through the insertion into the Artcam of cards havingencoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of images, thecards hereinafter being known as Artcards. The Artcam further hassignificant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit(ACP) which is interconnected to a memory device for the storage ofimportant data and images.

In the preferred embodiment, the Artcam has an auto exposure sensor fordetermining the light level associated with the captured image. Thisauto exposure sensor is utilised to process the image in accordance withthe set light value so as to enhance portions of the image.

Preferably, the area image sensor includes a means for determining thelight conditions when capturing an image. The area image sensor adjuststhe dynamic range of values captured by the CCD in accordance with thedetected level sensor. The captured image is transferred to the Artcamcentral processor and stored in the memory store. Intensity information,as determined by the area image sensor, is also forwarded to the ACP.This information is utilised by the Artcam central processor tomanipulate the stored image to enhance certain effects.

Turning now to FIG. 1, the auto exposure setting information 1 isutilised in conjunction with the stored image 2 to process the image byutilising the ACP. The processed image is returned to the memory storefor later printing out 4 on the output printer.

A number of processing steps can be undertaken in accordance with thedetermined light conditions. Where the auto exposure setting 1 indicatesthat the image was taken in a low light condition, the image pixelcolours are selectively re-mapped so as to make the image coloursstronger, deeper and richer.

Where the auto exposure information indicates that highlight conditionswere present when the image was taken, the image colours can beprocessed to make them brighter and more saturated. The re-colouring ofthe image can be undertaken by conversion of the image to ahue-saturation-value (HSV) format and an alteration of pixel values inaccordance with requirements. The pixel values can then be outputconverted to the required output colour format of printing.

Of course, many different re-colouring techniques may be utilised.Preferably, the techniques are clearly illustrated on the pre-requisiteArtcard inserted into the reader. Alternatively, the image processingalgorithms can be automatically applied and hard-wired into the camerafor utilization in certain conditions.

Alternatively, the Artcard inserted could have a number of manipulationsapplied to the image which are specific to the auto-exposure setting.For example, clip arts containing candles etc could be inserted in adark image and large suns inserted in bright images.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 5, the Artcam prints the images onto mediastored in a replaceable print roll 5. In some preferred embodiments, theoperation of the camera device is such that when a series of images isprinted on a first surface of the print roll, the corresponding backingsurface has a ready made postcard which can be immediately dispatched atthe nearest post office box within the jurisdiction. In this way,personalized postcards can be created.

It would be evident that when utilising the postcard system asillustrated FIG. 2 only predetermined image sizes are possible as thesynchronization between the backing postcard portion and the front imagemust be maintained. This can be achieved by utilising the memoryportions of the authentication chip stored within the print roll 5 tostore details of the length of each postcard backing format sheet. Thiscan be achieved by either having each postcard the same size or bystoring each size within the print rolls on-board print chip memory.

In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a modified form of printroll which can be constructed mostly from injection moulded plasticpieces suitably snapped fitted together. The modified form of print rollhas a high ink storage capacity in addition to a somewhat simplifiedconstruction. The print media onto which the image is to be printed iswrapped around a plastic sleeve former for simplified construction. Theink media reservoir has a series of air vents which are constructed soas to minimise the opportunities for the ink flow out of the air vents.Further, a rubber seal is provided for the ink outlet holes with therubber seal being pierced on insertion of the print roll into a camerasystem. Further, the print roll includes a print media ejection slot andthe ejection slot includes a surrounding moulded surface which providesand assists in the accurate positioning of the print media ejection slotrelative to the printhead within the printing or camera system.

Turning to FIG. 3 there is illustrated a single point roll unit 5 in anassembled form with a partial cutaway showing internal portions of theprint roll. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate left and right side explodedperspective views respectively. The print roll 5 is constructed aroundthe internal core portion 6 which contains an internal ink supply.Outside of the core portion 6 is provided a former 7 around which iswrapped a paper or film supply 8. Around the paper supply it isconstructed two cover pieces 9, 10 which snap together around the printroll so as to form a covering unit as illustrated in FIG. 3. The bottomcover piece 10 includes a slot 11 through which the output of the printmedia 12 for interconnection with the camera system.

Two pinch rollers 13, 14 are provided to pinch the paper against a drivepinch roller 15 so they together provide for a decurling of the paperaround the roller 15. The decurling acts to negate the strong curl thatmay be imparted to the paper from being stored in the form of print rollfor an extended period of time. The rollers 13, 14 are provided to forma snap fit with end portions of the cover base portion 10 and the roller15 which includes a cogged end 16 for driving, snap fits into the uppercover piece 9 so as to pinch the paper 12 firmly between.

The cover pieces 9, 10 includes an end protuberance or lip 17. The endlip 17 is provided for accurate alignment of the exit hole of the paperwith a corresponding printing heat platen structure within the camerasystem. In this way, accurate alignment or positioning of the exitingpaper relative to an adjacent printhead is provided for full guidance ofthe paper to the printhead.

It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention asshown in the specific embodiment without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiment is,therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and notrestrictive.

The present invention is best utilized in the Artcam device, the detailsof which are set out in the following paragraphs.

Ink Jet Technologies

The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Ofcourse many different devices could be used. However presently popularink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.

The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption.This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stemsfrom the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves therapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink.Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermalinkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, fromelectricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.

The most significant problem with piezoelectric inkjet is size and cost.Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drivevoltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, eachpiezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on aseparate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the currentlimit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment tothe fabrication of pagewide print heads with 19,200 nozzles.

Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements ofin-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, lowcost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digitalphotography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The targetfeatures include:

low power (less than 10 Watts)

high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)

photographic quality output

low manufacturing cost

small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)

high speed (<2 seconds per page).

All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systemsdescribed below with differing levels of difficulty. 45 different inkjettechnologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range ofchoices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part ofseparate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in thetable below.

The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digitalprinting systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras,through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercialprinting systems

For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print headis designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS postprocessing. For color photographic applications, the print head is 100mm long, with a width which depends upon the inkjet type. The smallestprint head designed is IJ38, which is 0.35 mm wide, giving a chip areaof 35 square mm. The print heads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus dataand control circuitry.

Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection moldedplastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which canbe created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standardinjection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the waferto the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. Theprint head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automatedbonding.

Cross-Referenced Applications

The following table is a guide to cross-referenced patent applicationsfiled concurrently herewith and discussed hereinafter with the referencebeing utilized in subsequent tables when referring to a particular case:Docket No. Reference Title IJ10US IJ01 Radiant Plunger Ink Jet PrinterIJ02US IJ02 Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer IJ03US IJ03 PlanarThermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet IJ04US IJ04 Stacked ElectrostaticInk Jet Printer IJ05US IJ05 Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer IJ06USIJ06 Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer IJ07US IJ07 Permanent MagnetElectromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ08US IJ08 Planar Swing GrillElectromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ09US IJ09 Pump Action Refill Ink JetPrinter IJ10US IJ10 Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printer IJ11US IJ11Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ12US IJ12Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ13US IJ13 Gear Driven ShutterInk Jet Printer IJ14US IJ14 Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic InkJet Printer IJ15US IJ15 Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink JetPrinter IJ16US IJ16 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet PrinterIJ17US IJ17 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating Pressure Ink JetPrinter IJ18US IJ18 Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet PrinterIJ19US IJ19 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer IJ20US IJ20 Curling CalyxThermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ21US IJ21 Thermal Actuated Ink JetPrinter IJ22US IJ22 Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer IJ23US IJ23 DirectFiring Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ24US IJ24 Conductive PTFEBen Activator Vented Ink Jet Printer IJ25US IJ25 Magnetostrictive InkJet Printer IJ26US IJ26 Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer IJ27US IJ27Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printer IJ28US IJ28 Thermal Elastic Rotary ImpellerInk Jet Printer IJ29US IJ29 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet PrinterIJ30US IJ30 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and Corrugated CopperInk Jet Printer IJ31US IJ31 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink JetPrinter IJ32US IJ32 A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet PrinterIJ33US IJ33 Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink jet printerIJ34US IJ34 Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuator comprising anexternal coiled spring IJ35US IJ35 Trough Container Ink Jet PrinterIJ36US IJ36 Dual Chamber Single Vertical Actuator Ink Jet IJ37US IJ37Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum Actuator Ink Jet IJ38US IJ38 DualNozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink Jet IJ39US IJ39 A single bendactuator cupped paddle ink jet printing device IJ40US IJ40 A thermallyactuated ink jet printer having a series of thermal actuator unitsIJ41US IJ41 A thermally actuated ink jet printer including a taperedheater element IJ42US IJ42 Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink JetIJ43US IJ43 Inverted Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ44USIJ44 Surface bend actuator vented ink supply ink jet printer IJ45US IJ45Coil Acutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet PrinterTables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets

Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation ofindividual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristicsare largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an elevendimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix includeentries developed by the present assignee.

The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table ofinkjet types.

Actuator mechanism (18 types)

Basic operation mode (7 types)

Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)

Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)

Actuator motion (19 types)

Nozzle refill method (4 types)

Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)

Nozzle clearing method (9 types)

Nozzle plate construction (9 types)

Drop ejection direction (5 types)

Ink type (7 types)

The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all ofthe possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, manymillion configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical toelucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjettypes have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 toIJ45 above.

Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these 45examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more ofthe 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into inkjetprint heads with characteristics superior to any currently availableinkjet technology.

Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more ofthese examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below.The IJ01 to IJ45 series are also listed in the examples column. In somecases, a printer may be listed more than once in a table, where itshares characteristics with more than one entry.

Suitable applications include: Home printers, Office network printers,Short run digital printers, Commercial print systems, Fabric printers,Pocket printers, Internet WWW printers, Video printers, Medical imaging,Wide format printers, Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrialprinting systems, Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.

The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrixare set out in the following tables. ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TOSELECTED INK DROPS) Actuator Mechanism Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Thermal bubble An electrothermal heater heats theink to Large force generated High power Canon Bubblejet 1979 aboveboiling point, transferring Simple construction Ink carrier limited towater Endo et al GB patent significant heat to the aqueous ink. A Nomoving parts Low efficiency 2,007,162 bubble nucleates and quicklyforms, Fast operation High temperatures required Xerox heater-in-pit1990 expelling the ink. Small chip area required for High mechanicalstress Hawkins et al U.S. Pat. No. The efficiency of the process is low,with actuator Unusual materials required 4,899,181 typically less than0.05% of the electrical Large drive transistors Hewlett-Packard TIJ 1982energy being transformed into kinetic Cavitation causes actuator failureVaught et al U.S. Pat. No. energy of the drop. Kogation reduces bubbleformation 4,490,728 Large print heads are difficult to fabricatePiezoelectric A piezoelectric crystal such as lead Low power consumptionVery large area required for actuator Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No.3,946,398 lanthanum zirconate (PZT) is electrically Many ink types canbe used Difficult to integrate with electronics Zoltan U.S. Pat. No.3,683,212 activated, and either expands, shears, or Fast operation Highvoltage drive transistors required 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No. bends toapply pressure to the ink, High efficiency Full pagewidth print headsimpractical due to 3,747,120 ejecting drops. actuator size Epson StylusRequires electrical poling in high field Tektronix strengths duringmanufacture IJ04 Electro-strictive An electric field is used to activateLow power consumption Low maximum strain (approx. 0.01%) Seiko Epson,Usui et all JP electrostriction in relaxor materials such Many ink typescan be used Large area required for actuator due to low 253401/96 aslead lanthanum zirconate titanate Low thermal expansion strain IJ04(PLZT) or lead magnesium niobate Electric field strength requiredResponse speed is marginal (˜10 μs) (PMN). (approx. 3.5 V/μm) can beHigh voltage drive transistors required generated without difficultyFull pagewidth print heads impractical due to Does not requireelectrical poling actuator size Ferroelectric An electric field is usedto induce a Low power consumption Difficult to integrate withelectronics IJ04 phase transition between the Many ink types can be usedUnusual materials such as PLZSnT are antiferroelectric (AFE) andferroelectric Fast operation (<1 μs) required (FE) phase. Perovskitematerials such as Relatively high longitudinal strain Actuators requirea large area tin modified lead lanthanum zirconate High efficiencytitanate (PLZSnT) exhibit large strains of Electric field strength ofaround 3 V/μm up to 1% associated with the AFE to FE can be readilyprovided phase transition. Electrostatic Conductive plates are separatedby a Low power consumption Difficult to operate electrostatic devices inan IJ02, IJ04 plates compressible or fluid dielectric (usually Many inktypes can be used aqueous environment air). Upon application of avoltage, the Fast operation The electrostatic actuator will normallyneed plates attract each other and displace ink, to be separated fromthe ink causing drop ejection. The conductive Very large area requiredto achieve high plates may be in a comb or honeycomb forces structure,or stacked to increase the High voltage drive transistors may berequired surface area and therefore the force. Full pagewidth printheads are not competitive due to actuator size Electrostatic A strongelectric field is applied to the Low current consumption High voltagerequired 1989 Saito et al, U.S. Pat. No. pull on ink ink, whereuponelectrostatic attraction Low temperature May be damaged by sparks due toair 4,799,068 accelerates the ink towards the print breakdown 1989 Miuraet al, U.S. Pat. No. medium. Required field strength increases as thedrop 4,810,954 size decreases Tone-jet High voltage drive transistorsrequired Electrostatic field attracts dust Permanent An electromagnetdirectly attracts a Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ07, IJ10magnet electromagnetic permanent magnet, displacing ink and Many inktypes can be used Permanent magnetic material such as causing dropejection. Rare earth Fast operation Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB)required. magnets with a field strength around 1 High efficiency Highlocal currents required Tesla can be used. Examples are: Easy extensionfrom single Copper metalization should be used for long Samarium Cobalt(SaCo) and magnetic nozzles to pagewidth print electromigration lifetimeand low materials in the neodymium iron boron heads resistivity family(NdFeB, NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB, etc) Pigmented inks are usually infeasibleOperating temperature limited to the Curie temperature (around 540 K)Soft magnetic A solenoid induced a magnetic field in a Low powerconsumption Complex fabrication IJ01, IJ05, IJ08, IJ10 coreelectromagnetic soft magnetic core or yoke fabricated Many ink types canbe used Materials not usually present in a CMOS fab IJ12, IJ14, IJ15,IJ17 from a ferrous material such as Fast operation such as NiFe,CoNiFe, or CoFe are electroplated iron alloys such as CoNiFe Highefficiency required [1], CoFe, or NiFe alloys. Typically, the Easyextension from single High local currents required soft magneticmaterial is in two parts, nozzles to pagewidth print Copper metalizationshould be used for long which are normally held apart by a headselectromigration lifetime and low spring. When the solenoid is actuated,resistivity the two parts attract, displacing the ink. Electroplating isrequired High saturation flux density is required (2.0-2.1 T isachievable with CoNiFe [1]) Magnetic The Lorenz force acting on acurrent Low power consumption Force acts as a twisting motion IJ06,IJ11, IJ13, IJ16 Lorenz force carrying wire in a magnetic field is Manyink types can be used Typically, only a quarter of the solenoidutilized. Fast operation length provides force in a useful directionThis allows the magnetic field to be High efficiency High local currentsrequired supplied externally to the print head, for Easy extension fromsingle Copper metalization should be used for long example with rareearth permanent nozzles to pagewidth print electromigration lifetime andlow magnets. heads resistivity Only the current carrying wire need bePigmented inks are usually infeasible fabricated on the print-head,simplifying materials requirements. Magnetostriction The actuator usesthe giant Many ink types can be used Force acts as a twisting motionFischenbeck, U.S. Pat. No. magnetostrictive effect of materials suchFast operation Unusual materials such as Terfenol-D are 4,032,929 asTerfenol-D (an alloy of terbium, Easy extension from single requiredIJ25 dysprosium and iron developed at the nozzles to pagewidth printHigh local currents required Naval Ordnance Laboratory, hence Ter- headsCopper metalization should be used for long Fe-NOL). For bestefficiency, the High force is available electromigration lifetime andlow actuator should be pre-stressed to resistivity approx. 8 MPa.Pre-stressing may be required Surface tension Ink under positivepressure is held in a Low power consumption Requires supplementary forceto effect drop Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 reduction nozzle by surfacetension. The surface Simple construction separation A2 and relatedpatent tension of the ink is reduced below the No unusual materialsrequired in Requires special ink surfactants applications bubblethreshold, causing the ink to fabrication Speed may be limited bysurfactant properties egress from the nozzle. High efficiency Easyextension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Viscosity The inkviscosity is locally reduced to Simple construction Requiressupplementary force to effect drop Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 reductionselect which drops are to be ejected. A No unusual materials required inseparation A2 and related patent viscosity reduction can be achievedfabrication Requires special ink viscosity properties applicationselectrothermally with most inks, but Easy extension from single Highspeed is difficult to achieve special inks can be engineered for anozzles to pagewidth print Requires oscillating ink pressure 100:1viscosity reduction. heads A high temperature difference (typically 80degrees) is required Acoustic An acoustic wave is generated and Canoperate without a nozzle Complex drive circuitry 1993 Hadimioglu et al,focussed upon the drop ejection region. plate Complex fabrication EUP550,192 Low efficiency 1993 Elrod et al, EUP Poor control of dropposition 572,220 Poor control of drop volume Thermoelastic An actuatorwhich relies upon Low power consumption Efficient aqueous operationrequires a thermal IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, IJ18 bend actuator differentialthermal expansion upon Many ink types can be used insulator on the hotside IJ19, IJ20, IJ21, IJ22 Joule heating is used. Simple planarfabrication Corrosion prevention can be difficult IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28Small chip area required for each Pigmented inks may be infeasible, aspigment IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 actuator particles may jam the bendactuator IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 Fast operation IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40High efficiency IJ41 CMOS compatible voltages and currents Standard MEMSprocesses can be used Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidthprint heads High CTE A material with a very high coefficient of Highforce can be generated Requires special material (e.g. PTFE) IJ09, IJ17,IJ18, IJ20 thermoelastic thermal expansion (CTE) such as PTFE is acandidate for low Requires a PTFE deposition process, which is IJ21,IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 actuator polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used.dielectric constant insulation in not yet standard in ULSI fabs IJ27,IJ28, IJ29, IJ30 As high CTE materials are usually non- ULSI PTFEdeposition cannot be followed with high IJ31, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44conductive, a heater fabricated from a Very low power consumptiontemperature (above 350° C.) processing conductive material isincorporated. A 50 μm Many ink types can be used Pigmented inks may beinfeasible, as pigment long PTFE bend actuator with Simple planarfabrication particles may jam the bend actuator polysilicon heater and15 mW power Small chip area required for each input can provide 180 μNforce and 10 μm actuator deflection. Actuator motions include: Fastoperation 1) Bend High efficiency 2) Push CMOS compatible voltages and3) Buckle currents 4) Rotate Easy extension from single nozzles topagewidth print heads Conductive A polymer with a high coefficient ofHigh force can be generated Requires special materials development (HighIJ24 polymer thermal expansion (such as PTFE) is Very low powerconsumption CTE conductive polymer) thermoelastic doped with conductingsubstances to Many ink types can be used Requires a PTFE depositionprocess, which is actuator increase its conductivity to about 3 Simpleplanar fabrication not yet standard in ULSI fabs orders of magnitudebelow that of Small chip area required for each PTFE deposition cannotbe followed with high copper. The conducting polymer expands actuatortemperature (above 350° C.) processing when resistively heated. Fastoperation Evaporation and CVD deposition techniques Examples ofconducting dopants include: High efficiency cannot be used 1) Carbonnanotubes CMOS compatible voltages and Pigmented inks may be infeasible,as pigment 2) Metal fibers currents particles may jam the bend actuator3) Conductive polymers such as doped Easy extension from singlepolythiophene nozzles to pagewidth print 4) Carbon granules heads Shapememory A shape memory alloy such as TiNi (also High force is available(stresses of Fatigue limits maximum number of cycles IJ26 alloy known asNitinol —Nickel Titanium alloy hundreds of MPa) Low strain (1%) isrequired to extend fatigue developed at the Naval Ordnance Large strainis available (more resistance Laboratory) is thermally switched than 3%)Cycle rate limited by heat removal between its weak martensitic stateand its High corrosion resistance Requires unusual materials (TiNi) highstiffness austenic state. The shape of Simple construction The latentheat of transformation must be the actuator in its martensitic state isEasy extension from single provided deformed relative to the austenicshape. nozzles to pagewidth print High current operation The shapechange causes ejection of a heads Requires pre-stressing to distort thedrop. Low voltage operation martensitic state Linear Magnetic Linearmagnetic actuators include the Linear Magnetic actuators can be Requiresunusual semiconductor materials IJ12 Actuator Linear Induction Actuator(LIA), Linear constructed with high thrust, such as soft magnetic alloys(e.g. CoNiFe Permanent Magnet Synchronous long travel, and highefficiency [1]) Actuator (LPMSA), Linear Reluctance using planarsemiconductor Some varieties also require permanent Synchronous Actuator(LRSA), Linear fabrication techniques magnetic materials such asNeodymium Switched Reluctance Actuator (LSRA), Long actuator travel isavailable iron boron (NdFeB) and the Linear Stepper Actuator (LSA).Medium force is available Requires complex multi-phase drive circuitryLow voltage operation High current operation

BASIC OPERATION MODE Oper- ational mode Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Actu- This is the simplest mode of operation:Simple operation Drop repetition rate is usually limited to less Thermalator the actuator directly supplies sufficient No external fieldsrequired than 10 KHz. However, this is not inkjet directly kineticenergy to expel the drop. The Satellite drops can be avoided iffundamental to the method, but is related to Piezoelectric pushes dropmust have a sufficient velocity to drop velocity is less than 4 m/s therefill method normally used inkjetI J01, ink overcome the surfacetension. Can be efficient, depending upon All of the drop kinetic energymust be IJ02, IJ03, the actuator used provided by the actuator IJ04IJ05, Satellite drops usually form if drop velocity is IJ06, IJ07,greater than 4.5 m/s IJ09, IJ11, IJ12, IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22, IJ23,IJ24 IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33, IJ34, IJ35,IJ36, IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Prox- The drops tobe printed are selected by Very simple print head fabrication Requiresclose proximity between the print Silverbrook, imity some manner (e.g.thermally induced can be used head and the print media or transferroller EP 0771 658 surface tension reduction of pressurized The dropselection means does May require two print heads printing alternate A2and ink). Selected drops are separated from not need to provide theenergy rows of the image related the ink in the nozzle by contact withthe required to separate the drop Monolithic color print heads aredifficult patent print medium or a transfer roller. from the nozzleapplications Electro- The drops to be printed are selected by Verysimple print head fabrication Requires very high electrostatic fieldSilverbrook, static some manner (e.g. thermally induced can be usedElectrostatic field for small nozzle sizes is EP 0771 658 pull onsurface tension reduction of pressurized The drop selection means doesabove air breakdown A2 and ink ink). Selected drops are separated fromnot need to provide the energy Electrostatic field may attract dustrelated the ink in the nozzle by a strong electric required to separatethe drop patent field. from the nozzle applications Tone-Jet Mag- Thedrops to be printed are selected by Very simple print head fabricationRequires magnetic ink Silverbrook, netic some manner (e.g. thermallyinduced can be used Ink colors other than black are difficult EP 0771658 pull on surface tension reduction of pressurized The drop selectionmeans does Requires very high magnetic fields A2 and ink ink). Selecteddrops are separated from not need to provide the energy related the inkin the nozzle by a strong required to separate the drop patent magneticfield acting on the magnetic from the nozzle applications ink. ShutterThe actuator moves a shutter to block ink High speed (>50 KHz) operationMoving parts are required IJ13, IJ17, flow to the nozzle. The inkpressure is can be achieved due to reduced Requires ink pressuremodulator IJ21 pulsed at a multiple of the drop ejection refill timeFriction and wear must be considered frequency. Drop timing can be veryaccurate Stiction is possible The actuator energy can be very low Shut-The actuator moves a shutter to block ink Actuators with small travelcan be Moving parts are required IJ08, IJ15, tered flow through a grillto the nozzle. The used Requires ink pressure modulator IJ18, IJ19 grillshutter movement need only be equal to Actuators with small force can beFriction and wear must be considered the width of the grill holes. usedStiction is possible High speed (>50 KHz) operation can be achievedPulsed A pulsed magnetic field attracts an ‘ink Extremely low energyoperation Requires an external pulsed magnetic field IJ10 mag- pusher’at the drop ejection frequency. is possible Requires special materialsfor both the netic An actuator controls a catch, which No heatdissipation problems actuator and the ink pusher pull on prevents theink pusher from moving Complex construction ink when a drop is not to beejected. pusher

AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES) Auxiliary MechanismDescription Advantages Disadvantages Examples None The actuator directlyfires the ink drop, Simplicity of construction Drop ejection energy mustMost inkjets, including and there is no external field or otherSimplicity of operation be supplied by piezoelectric and mechanismrequired. Small physical size individual nozzle actuator thermal bubble.IJ01-IJ07, IJ09, IJ11 IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22 IJ23-IJ45 Oscillating Theink pressure oscillates, providing Oscillating ink pressure can Requiresexternal ink Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 ink much of the drop ejectionenergy. The provide a refill pulse, allowing pressure oscillator Ink A2and related patent pressure actuator selects which drops are to behigher operating speed pressure phase and applications (including firedby selectively blocking or enabling The actuators may operate withamplitude must be IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 acoustic nozzles. The inkpressure oscillation may much lower energy carefully controlled IJ18,IJ19, IJ21 stimulation) be achieved by vibrating the print head,Acoustic lenses can be used to Acoustic reflections or preferably by anactuator in the ink focus the sound on the nozzles in the ink chambersupply. must be designed for Media The print head is placed in close Lowpower Precision assembly required Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 proximityproximity to the print medium. Selected High accuracy Paper fibers maycause A2 and related patent drops protrude from the print head Simpleprint head construction problems applications further than unselecteddrops, and Cannot print on rough contact the print medium. The dropsoaks substrates into the medium fast enough to cause drop separation.Transfer Drops are printed to a transfer roller High accuracy BulkySilverbrook, EP 0771 658 roller instead of straight to the print medium.A Wide range of print substrates can Expensive A2 and related patenttransfer roller can also be used for be used Complex constructionapplications proximity drop separation. Ink can be dried on the transferTektronix hot melt roller piezoelectric inkjet Any of the IJ seriesElectrostatic An electric field is used to accelerate Low power Fieldstrength required Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 selected drops towards theprint medium. Simple print head construction for separation of small A2and related patent drops is near or applications above air breakdownTone-Jet Direct A magnetic field is used to accelerate Low powerRequires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 magnetic selected dropsof magnetic ink towards Simple print head construction Requires strongmagnetic A2 and related patent field the print medium. fieldapplications Cross The print head is placed in a constant Does notrequire magnetic Requires external magnet IJ06, IJ16 magnetic magneticfield. The Lorenz force in a materials to be integrated in Currentdensities may be field current carrying wire is used to move the theprint head manufacturing high, resulting in actuator. processelectromigration problems Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field is used to Verylow power operation is Complex print head IJ10 magnetic cyclicallyattract a paddle, which pushes possible construction Magnetic field onthe ink. A small actuator moves a Small print head size materialsrequired catch, which selectively prevents the in print head paddle frommoving.

ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD Actuator ampli- ficationDescription Advantages Disadvantages Examples None No actuatormechanical amplification is Operational simplicity Many actuatormechanisms have insufficient Thermal used. The actuator directly drivesthe travel, or insufficient force, to efficiently Bubble drop ejectionprocess. drive the drop ejection process Inkjet IJ01, IJ02, IJ06, IJ07IJ16, IJ25, IJ26 Differ- An actuator material expands more on Providesgreater travel in a High stresses are involved Piezoelectric ential oneside than on the other. The reduced print head area Care must be takenthat the materials do not IJ03, IJ09, expansion expansion may bethermal, piezoelectric, The bend actuator converts a high delaminateIJ17-IJ24 bend magnetostrictive, or other mechanism. force low travelactuator Residual bend resulting from high IJ27, actuator mechanism tohigh travel, temperature or high stress IJ29-IJ39, lower forcemechanism. during formation IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Transient A trilayer bendactuator where the two Very good temperature stability High stresses areinvolved IJ40, IJ41 bend outside layers are identical. This cancels Highspeed, as a new drop can be Care must be taken that the materials do notactuator bend due to ambient temperature and fired before heatdissipates delaminate residual stress. The actuator only Cancelsresidual stress of responds to transient heating of one side formationor the other. Actuator A series of thin actuators are stacked. Increasedtravel Increased fabrication complexity Some stack This can beappropriate where actuators Reduced drive voltage Increased possibilityof short circuits due to piezoelectric require high electric fieldstrength, such pinholes ink jets IJ04 as electrostatic and piezoelectricactuators. Multiple Multiple smaller actuators are used Increases theforce available from Actuator forces may not add linearly, IJ12, IJ13,actuators simultaneously to move the ink. Each an actuator reducingefficiency IJ18, IJ20 actuator need provide only a portion of Multipleactuators can be IJ22, IJ28, the force required. positioned to controlink flow IJ42, IJ43 accurately Linear A linear spring is used totransform a Matches low travel actuator with Requires print head areafor the spring IJ15 Spring motion with small travel and high forcehigher travel requirements into a longer travel, lower force motion.Non-contact method of motion transformation Reverse The actuator loads aspring. When the Better coupling to the ink Fabrication complexity IJ05,IJ11 spring actuator is turned off, the spring releases. High stress inthe spring This can reverse the force/distance curve of the actuator tomake it compatible with the force/time requirements of the dropejection. Coiled A bend actuator is coiled to provide Increases travelGenerally restricted to planar IJ17, IJ21, actuator greater travel in areduced chip area. Reduces chip area implementations due to extremeIJ34, IJ35 Planar implementations are fabrication difficulty in otherorientations. relatively easy to fabricate. Flexure A bend actuator hasa small region near Simple means of increasing travel Care must be takennot to exceed the elastic IJ10, IJ19, bend the fixture point, whichflexes much of a bend actuator limit in the flexure area IJ33 actuatormore readily than the remainder of the Stress distribution is veryuneven actuator. The actuator flexing is Difficult to accurately modelwith finite effectively converted from an even element analysis coilingto an angular bend, resulting in greater travel of the actuator tip.Gears Gears can be used to increase travel at Low force, low travelactuators Moving parts are required IJ13 the expense of duration.Circular gears, can be used Several actuator cycles are required rackand pinion, ratchets, and other Can be fabricated using standard Morecomplex drive electronics gearing methods can be used. surface MEMSprocesses Complex construction Friction, friction, and wear are possibleCatch The actuator controls a small catch. The Very low actuator energyComplex construction IJ10 catch either enables or disables Very smallactuator size Requires external force movement of an ink pusher that isUnsuitable for pigmented inks controlled in a bulk manner. Buckle Abuckle plate can be used to change a Very fast movement achievable Muststay within elastic limits of the S. Hirataet plate slow actuator into afast motion. It can materials for long device life al, “An Ink- alsoconvert a high force, low travel High stresses involved jet actuatorinto a high travel, medium force Generally high power requirement Head...”, motion. Proc. IEEE MEMS, February 1996, pp 418-423. IJ18, IJ27Tapered A tapered magnetic pole can increase Linearizes the magneticComplex construction IJ14 magnetic travel at the expense of force.force/distance curve pole A lever and fulcrum is used to transformMatches low travel actuator with High stress around the fulcrum IJ32,IJ36, Lever a motion with small travel and high force higher travelrequirements IJ37 into a motion with longer travel and Fulcrum area hasno linear lower force. The lever can also reverse movement, and can beused for the direction of travel. a fluid seal Rotary The actuator isconnected to a rotary High mechanical advantage Complex constructionIJ28 impeller impeller. A small angular deflection of The ratio of forceto travel of the Unsuitable for pigmented inks the actuator results in arotation of the actuator can be matched to the impeller vanes, whichpush the ink nozzle requirements by against stationary vanes and out ofthe varying the number of impeller nozzle. vanes Acoustic A refractiveor diffractive (e.g. zone No moving parts Large area required 1993 lensplate) acoustic lens is used to concentrate Only relevant for acousticink jets Hadimioglu sound waves. et al, EUP 550,192 1993 Elrod et al,EUP 572,220 Sharp A sharp point is used to concentrate an Simpleconstruction Difficult to fabricate using standard VLSI Tone-jetconductive electrostatic field. processes for a surface ejecting ink-jetpoint Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets

ACTUATOR MOTION Actuator motion Description Advantages DisadvantagesExamples Volume The volume of the actuator changes, Simple constructionin the case of High energy is typically required to achieve Hewlett-expansion pushing the ink in all directions. thermal ink jet volumeexpansion. This leads to thermal Packard stress, cavitation, andkogation in thermal Thermal ink jet implementations Inkjet CanonBubblejet Linear, The actuator moves in a direction normal Efficientcoupling to ink drops High fabrication complexity may be required IJ01,IJ02, normal to the print head surface. The nozzle is ejected normal tothe surface to achieve perpendicular motion IJ04, IJ07 to chip typicallyin the line of movement. IJ11, IJ14 surface Linear, The actuator movesparallel to the print Suitable for planar fabrication Fabricationcomplexity IJ12, IJ13, parallel head surface. Drop ejection may still beFriction IJ15, IJ33, to chip normal to the surface. Stiction IJ34, IJ35,surface IJ36 Membrane An actuator with a high force but small Theeffective area of the actuator Fabrication complexity 1982 push area isused to push a stiff membrane that becomes the membrane area Actuatorsize Howkins is in contact with the ink. Difficulty of integration in aVLSI process U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,601 Rotary The actuator causes therotation of some Rotary levers may be used to Device complexity IJ05,IJ08, element, such a grill or impeller increase travel May havefriction at a pivot point IJ13, IJ28 Small chip area requirements BendThe actuator bends when energized. This A very small change in Requiresthe actuator to be made from 1970 Kyser may be due to differentialthermal dimensions can be converted to at least two distinct layers, orto et al expansion, piezoelectric expansion, a large motion. have athermal difference across the actuator U.S. Pat. magnetostriction, orother form of No. relative dimensional change. 3,946,398 1973 StemmeU.S. Pat. No. 3,747,120 IJ03, IJ09, IJ10, IJ19 IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ29IJ30, IJ31, IJ33, IJ34 IJ35 Swivel The actuator swivels around a centralAllows operation where the net Inefficient coupling to the ink motionIJ06 pivot. This motion is suitable where there linear force on thepaddle is are opposite forces applied to opposite zero sides of thepaddle, e.g. Lorenz force. Small chip area requirements Straighten Theactuator is normally bent, and Can be used with shape memory Requirescareful balance of stresses to ensure IJ26, IJ32 straightens whenenergized. alloys where the austenic phase that the quiescent bend isaccurate is planar Double The actuator bends in one direction when Oneactuator can be used to Difficult to make the drops ejected by bothIJ36, IJ37, bend one element is energized, and bends the power twonozzles. bend directions identical. IJ38 other way when another elementis Reduced chip size. A small efficiency loss compared to energized. Notsensitive to ambient equivalent single bend actuators. temperature ShearEnergizing the actuator causes a shear Can increase the effective travelNot readily applicable to other actuator 1985 motion in the actuatormaterial. of piezoelectric actuators mechanisms Fishbeck U.S. Pat. No.4,584,590 Radial The actuator squeezes an ink reservoir, Relatively easyto fabricate single High force required 1970 Zoltan con- forcing inkfrom a constricted nozzle. nozzles from glass tubing as Inefficient U.S.Pat. striction macroscopic structures Difficult to integrate with VLSIprocesses No. 3,683,212 Coil/ A coiled actuator uncoils or coils moreEasy to fabricate as a planar VLSI Difficult to fabricate for non-planardevices IJ17, IJ21, uncoil tightly. The motion of the free end of theprocess Poor out-of-plane stiffness IJ34, IJ35 actuator ejects the ink.Small area required, therefore low cost Bow The actuator bows (orbuckles) in the Can increase the speed of travel Maximum travel isconstrained IJ16, IJ18, middle when energized. Mechanically rigid Highforce required IJ27 Push-Pull Two actuators control a shutter. One Thestructure is pinned at both Not readily suitable for inkjets whichdirectly IJ18 actuator pulls the shutter, and the other ends, so has ahigh out-of- push the ink pushes it. plane rigidity Curl A set ofactuators curl inwards to reduce Good fluid flow to the region Designcomplexity IJ20, IJ42 inwards the volume of ink that they enclose.behind the actuator increases efficiency Curl A set of actuators curloutwards, Relatively simple construction Relatively large chip area IJ43outwards pressurizing ink in a chamber surrounding the actuators, andexpelling ink from a nozzle in the chamber. Iris Multiple vanes enclosea volume of ink. High efficiency High fabrication complexity IJ22 Thesesimultaneously rotate, reducing Small chip area Not suitable forpigmented inks the volume between the vanes. Acoustic The actuatorvibrates at a high frequency. The actuator can be physically Large arearequired for efficient operation at 1993 vibration distant from the inkuseful frequencies Hadimioglu Acoustic coupling and crosstalk et al, EUPComplex drive circuitry 550,192 Poor control of drop volume and position1993 Elrod et al, EUP 572,220 None In various ink jet designs theactuator No moving parts Various other tradeoffs are required toSilverbrook, does not move. eliminate moving parts EP 0771 658 A2 andrelated patent applications Tone-jet

NOZZLE REFILL METHOD Nozzle refill method Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Surface After the actuator is energized, itFabrication simplicity Low speed Thermal inkjet tension typicallyreturns rapidly to its normal Operational simplicity Surface tensionforce relatively Piezoelectric inkjet position. This rapid return sucksin air small compared to actuator IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14 through thenozzle opening. The ink force Long refill time usually IJ16, IJ20,IJ22-IJ45 surface tension at the nozzle then exerts a dominates thetotal repetition small force restoring the meniscus to a rate minimumarea. Shuttered Ink to the nozzle chamber is provided at High speedRequires common ink IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 oscillating a pressure thatoscillates at twice the Low actuator energy, as the pressure oscillatorMay not IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 ink drop ejection frequency. When a drop isactuator need only open or be suitable for pigmented inks pressure to beejected, the shutter is opened for 3 close the shutter, instead of halfcycles: drop ejection, actuator ejecting the ink drop return, andrefill. Refill After the main actuator has ejected a High speed, as thenozzle is Requires two independent IJ09 actuator drop a second (refill)actuator is actively refilled actuators per nozzle energized. The refillactuator pushes ink into the nozzle chamber. The refill actuator returnsslowly, to prevent its return from emptying the chamber again. PositiveThe ink is held a slight positive pressure. High refill rate, thereforea high Surface spill must be prevented Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 inkAfter the ink drop is ejected, the nozzle drop repetition rate ispossible Highly hydrophobic print A2 and related patent pressure chamberfills quickly as surface tension head surfaces are required applicationsand ink pressure both operate to refill the Alternative for: nozzle.IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14 IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45

METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET Inlet back-flowrestriction method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Longinlet The ink inlet channel to the nozzle Design simplicity Restrictsrefill rate Thermal inkjet channel chamber is made long and relativelyOperational simplicity May result in a relatively Piezoelectric inkjetnarrow, relying on viscous drag to reduce Reduces crosstalk large chiparea Only IJ42, IJ43 inlet back-flow. partially effective Positive inkThe ink is under a positive pressure, so Drop selection and Requires amethod Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 pressure that in the quiescent statesome of the ink separation forces can be (such as a nozzle rim A2 andrelated patent drop already protrudes from the nozzle. reduced Fastrefill time or effective applications This reduces the pressure in thenozzle hydrophobizing, or both) to Possible operation of the chamberwhich is required to eject a prevent flooding of the following: certainvolume of ink. The reduction in ejection surface of the IJ01-IJ07,IJ09-IJ12 chamber pressure results in a reduction print head. IJ14,IJ16, IJ20, IJ22, in ink pushed out through the inlet. IJ23-IJ34,IJ36-IJ41 IJ44 Baffle One or more baffles are placed in the The refillrate is not as restricted Design complexity HP Thermal Ink Jet inlet inkflow. When the actuator is as the long inlet method. May increasefabrication Tektronix piezoelectric ink energized, the rapid inkmovement Reduces crosstalk complexity (e.g. Tektronix jet creates eddieswhich restrict the flow hot melt Piezoelectric through the inlet. Theslower refill print heads). process is unrestricted, and does not resultin eddies. Flexible In this method recently disclosed by Significantlyreduces back-flow Not applicable to Canon flap Canon, the expandingactuator (bubble) for edge-shooter thermal ink most inkjetconfigurations restricts pushes on a flexible flap that restricts thejet devices Increased fabrication inlet inlet. complexity Inelasticdeformation of polymer flap results in creep over extended use Inlet Afilter is located between the ink inlet Additional advantage of inkRestricts refill rate IJ04, IJ12, IJ24, IJ27 filter and the nozzlechamber. The filter has a filtration May result in complex IJ29, IJ30multitude of small holes or slots, Ink filter may be fabricated withconstruction restricting ink flow. The filter also no additional processsteps removes particles which may block the nozzle. Small inlet The inkinlet channel to the nozzle Design simplicity Restricts refill rateIJ02, IJ37, IJ44 compared chamber has a substantially smaller cross Mayresult in a relatively to section than that of the nozzle, resultinglarge chip area nozzle in easier ink egress out of the nozzle than Onlypartially effective out of the inlet. Inlet A secondary actuatorcontrols the Increases speed of the ink-jet print Requires separaterefill IJ09 shutter position of a shutter, closing off the ink headoperation actuator and drive circuit inlet when the main actuator isenergized. The inlet The method avoids the problem of inlet Back-flowproblem is eliminated Requires careful design IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06 islocated back-flow by arranging the ink-pushing to minimize the negativeIJ07, IJ10, IJ11, IJ14 behind surface of the actuator between the inletpressure behind IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, IJ25 the ink- and the nozzle. thepaddle IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33 pushing IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ39 surfaceIJ40, IJ41 Part of the The actuator and a wall of the ink Significantreductions in back- Small increase in IJ07, IJ20, IJ26, IJ38 actuatorchamber are arranged so that the motion flow can be achieved fabricationcomplexity moves to of the actuator closes off the inlet. Compactdesigns possible shut off the inlet Nozzle In some configurations of inkjet, there is Ink back-flow problem is None related to ink Silverbrook,EP 0771 658 actuator no expansion or movement of an actuator eliminatedback-flow on actuation A2 and related patent does not which may causeink back-flow through applications result in the inlet. Valve-jet inkTone-jet back-flow IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 IJ18, IJ19, IJ21

NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD Nozzle Clearing method Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Normal nozzle All of the nozzles are firedperiodically, No added complexity on the print May not be sufficient toMost ink jet systems firing before the ink has a chance to dry. Whenhead displace dried ink IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12 not in use the nozzles aresealed (capped) IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22 against air. IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ45The nozzle firing is usually performed during a special clearing cycle,after first moving the print head to a cleaning station. Extra power toIn systems which heat the ink, but do not Can be highly effective if theRequires higher drive Silverbrook, ink heater boil it under normalsituations, nozzle heater is adjacent to the nozzle voltage for clearingMay EP 0771 658 clearing can be achieved by over- require larger driveA2 and related powering the heater and boiling ink at transistors patentapplications the nozzle. Rapid The actuator is fired in rapidsuccession. Does not require extra drive Effectiveness depends May beused with: succession of In some configurations, this may cause circuitson the print head substantially upon the IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ11 actuatorpulses heat build-up at the nozzle which boils Can be readily controlledand configuration of the IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22 the ink, clearing thenozzle. In other initiated by digital logic inkjet nozzle IJ23-IJ25,IJ27-IJ34 situations, it may cause sufficient IJ36-IJ45 vibrations todislodge clogged nozzles. Extra power to Where an actuator is notnormally driven A simple solution where Not suitable where May be usedwith: ink pushing to the limit of its motion, nozzle clearing applicablethere is a hard limit to IJ03, IJ09, IJ16, IJ20 actuator may be assistedby providing an actuator movement IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ27 enhanced drivesignal to the actuator. IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42IJ43, IJ44, IJ45 Acoustic An ultraso nic wave is applied to the ink Ahigh nozzle clearing capability High implementation cost IJ08, IJ13,IJ15, IJ17 resonance chamber. This wave is of an appropriate can beachieved if system does not already IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 amplitude andfrequency to cause May be implemented at very low include an acousticactuator sufficient force at the nozzle to clear cost in systems whichalready blockages. This is easiest to achieve if include acousticactuators the ultrasonic wave is at a resonant frequency of the inkcavity. Nozzle clearing A microfabricated plate is pushed against Canclear severely clogged Accurate mechanical Silverbrook, plate thenozzles. The plate has a post for nozzles alignment is required EP 0771658 A2 and every nozzle. The array of posts Moving parts are requiredrelated patent There is risk of damage to applications the nozzlesAccurate fabrication is required Ink pressure The pressure of the ink istemporarily May be effective where other Requires pressure pump May beused with all pulse increased so that ink streams from all of methodscannot be used or other pressure actuator IJ series ink jets thenozzles. This may be used in Expensive conjunction with actuatorenergizing. Wasteful of ink Print head wiper A flexible ‘blade’ is wipedacross the Effective for planar print head Difficult to use if printMany ink jet systems print head surface. The blade is usually surfaceshead surface is non-planar fabricated from a flexible polymer, e.g. Lowcost or very fragile rubber or synthetic elastomer. Requires mechanicalparts Blade can wear out in high volume print systems Separate ink Aseparate heater is provided at the Can be effective where otherFabrication complexity Can be used with boiling heater nozzle althoughthe normal drop e-ection nozzle clearing methods many IJ seriesmechanism does not require it. The cannot be used ink jets heaters donot require individual drive Can be implemented at no circuits, as manynozzles can be cleared additional cost in some inkjet simultaneously,and no imaging is configurations required.

NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION Nozzle plate construction DescriptionAdvantages Disadvantages Examples Electro- A nozzle plate is separatelyfabricated Fabrication simplicity High temperatures and Hewlett Packardformed from electroformed nickel, and bonded pressures are requiredThermal Inkjet nickel to the print head chip. to bond nozzle plateMinimum thickness constraints Differential thermal expansion LaserIndividual nozzle holes are ablated by an No masks required Each holemust be Canon Bubblejet ablated or intense UV laser in a nozzle plate,which Can be quite fast individually formed 1988 Sercel et al., SPIE,drilled is typically a polymer such as polyimide Some control overnozzle profile Special equipment required Vol. 998 Excimer Beam polymeror polysulphone is possible Slow where there are Applications, pp. 76-83Equipment required is relatively many thousands of 1993 Watanabe et.al.,low cost nozzles per print head May U.S. Pat. produce thin burrs No.5,208,604 at exit holes Silicon A separate nozzle plate is High accuracyis attainable Two part construction K. Bean, IEEE micro- micromachinedfrom single crystal High cost Transactions on machined silicon, andbonded to the print head Requires precision Electron Devices, Vol.wafer. alignment Nozzles may be ED-25, No. 10, 1978, clogged by adhesivepp 1185-1195 Xerox 1990 Hawkins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 GlassFine glass capillaries are drawn from No expensive equipment requiredVery small nozzle sizes 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. capillaries glasstubing. This method has been used Simple to make single nozzles aredifficult to form Not 3,683,212 for making individual nozzles, but issuited for mass production difficult to use for bulk manufacturing ofprint heads with thousands of nozzles. Monolithic, The nozzle plate isdeposited as a layer High accuracy (<1 μm) Requires sacrificialSilverbrook, EP 0771 surface using standard VLSI deposition Monolithiclayer under the nozzle plate 658 A2 and related micro- techniques.Nozzles are etched in the Low cost to form the nozzle chamber patentapplications machined nozzle plate using VLSI lithography and Existingprocesses can be used Surface may be fragile IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ11using VLSI etching. to the touch IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20 lithographicIJ22, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 processes IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34,IJ36, IJ37 IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41 IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Monolithic, Thenozzle plate is a buried etch stop in High accuracy (<1 μm) Requireslong etch times IJ03, IJ05, IJ06, IJ07 etched the wafer. Nozzle chambersare etched in Monolithic Requires a support wafer IJ08, IJ09, IJ10, IJ13through the front of the wafer, and the wafer is Low cost IJ14, IJ15,IJ16, IJ19 substrate thinned from the back side. Nozzles are Nodifferential expansion IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, IJ26 then etched in the etchstop layer. No nozzle Various methods have been tried to No nozzles tobecome clogged Difficult to control drop Ricoh 1995 Sekiya et al plateeliminate the nozzles entirely, to prevent position accurately U.S. Pat.No. 5,412,413 nozzle clogging. These include thermal Crosstalk problems1993 Hadimioglu et al bubble mechanisms and acoustic lens EUP 550,192mechanisms 1993 Elrod et al EUP 572,220 Trough Each drop ejector has atrough through Reduced manufacturing Drop firing direction IJ35 which apaddle moves. There is no complexity is sensitive to wicking. nozzleplate. Monolithic Nozzle slit The elimination of nozzle holes and Nonozzles to become clogged Difficult to control drop 1989 Saito et alinstead of replacement by a slit encompassing position accurately U.S.Pat. individual many actuator positions reduces nozzle Crosstalkproblems No. nozzles clogging, but increases crosstalk due to 4,799,068ink surface waves

DROP EJECTION DIRECTION Ejection direction Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Edge Ink flow is along the surface of Simpleconstruction Nozzles limited to edge Canon Bubblejet 1979 (‘edgeshooter’) the chip, and ink drops are No silicon etching required Highresolution is difficult Endo et al GB patent ejected from the chip edge.Good heat sinking via Fast color printing requires 2,007,162 substrateMechanically strong one print head per color Xerox heater-in-pit 1990Ease of chip handing Hawkins et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Tone-jetSurface Ink flow is along the surface of No bulk silicon etching Maximumink flow is Hewlett-Packard TIJ 1982 (‘roof shooter’) the chip, and inkdrops are required Silicon can make severely restricted. Vaught et alU.S. Pat. No. ejected from the chip surface, an effective heat sink4,490,728 normal to the plane of the chip. Mechanical strength IJ02,IJ11, IJ12, IJ20 IJ22 Through chip, Ink flow is through the chip, andHigh ink flow Requires bulk silicon Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 forward inkdrops are ejected from Suitable for pagewidth print etching A2 andrelated patent (‘up shooter’) the front surface of the chip. High nozzlepacking density applications therefore low manufacturing IJ04, IJ17,IJ18, IJ24 cost IJ27-IJ45 Through chip, Ink flow is through the chip,and ink High ink flow Requires wafer thinning IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ16reverse drops are ejected from the rear Suitable for pagewidth printRequires special handling IJ07, IJ08, IJ09, IJ10 (‘down shooter’)surface of the chip. High nozzle packing density during manufactureIJ13, IJ14, IJ15, IJ16 therefore low manufacturing IJ19, IJ21, IJ23,IJ25 cost IJ26 Through Ink flow is through the actuator, Suitable forpiezoelectric print Pagewidth print heads require Epson Stylus actuatorwhich is not fabricated as part of the heads several thousandconnections Tektronix hot melt same substrate as the drive to drivecircuits Cannot be piezoelectric ink jets transistors. manufactured instandard CMOS fabs Complex assembly required

INK TYPE Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous,dye Water based ink which typically Environmentally friendly Slow dryingMost existing inkjets contains: water, dye, surfactant, No odorCorrosive All IJ series ink jets humectant, and biocide. Bleeds on paperSilverbrook, EP 0771 Modern ink dyes have high water- May strikethrough658 A2 and related fastness, light fastness Cockles paper patentapplications Aqueous, Water based ink which typically Environmentallyfriendly Slow drying IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, IJ26 pigment contains: water,pigment, surfactant, No odor Corrosive IJ27, IJ30 humectant, andbiocide. Reduced bleed Pigment may clog nozzles Silverbrook, EP 0771Pigments have an advantage in reduced Reduced wicking Pigment may clogactuator 658 A2 and related bleed, wicking and strikethrough. Reducedstrikethrough mechanisms Cockles paper patent applications Piezoelectricink-jets Thermal ink jets (with significant restrictions) Methyl EthylMEK is a highly volatile solvent used for Very fast drying Odorous AllIJ series ink jets Ketone (MEK) industrial printing on difficultsurfaces Prints on various substrates Flammable such as aluminum cans.such as metals and plastics Alcohol Alcohol based inks can be used whereFast drying Slight odor All IJ series ink jets (ethanol, 2- the printermust operate at temperatures Operates at sub-freezing Flammable butanol,and below the freezing point of water. An temperatures others) exampleof this is in-camera consumer Reduced paper cockle photographicprinting. Low cost Phase change The ink is solid at room temperature,and No drying time-ink instantly High viscosity Tektronix hot melt (hotmelt) is melted in the print head before jetting. freezes on the printmedium Printed ink typically has a ‘waxy’ piezoelectric ink jets Hotmelt inks are usually wax based, Almost any print medium feel Printedpages may ‘block’ 1989 Nowak U.S. with a melting point around 80° C.After can be used Ink temperature may be above the Pat. No. 4,820,346jetting the ink freezes almost instantly No paper cockle occurs curiepoint of permanent magnets All IJ series ink jets upon contacting theprint medium or a No wicking occurs Ink heaters consume power transferroller. No bleed occurs Long warm-up time No strikethrough occurs OilOil based inks are extensively used in High solubility medium for Highviscosity: this is a significant All IJ series ink jets offset printing.They have advantages in some dyes limitation for use in inkjets, whichimproved characteristics on paper Does not cockle paper usually requirea low viscosity. (especially no wicking or cockle). Oil Does not wickthrough paper Some short chain and multi- soluble dies and pigments arerequired. branched oils have a sufficiently low viscosity. Slow dryingMicroemulsion A microemulsion is a stable, self forming Stops ink bleedViscosity higher than water All IJ series ink jets emulsion of oil,water, and surfactant. High dye solubility Cost is slightly higher thanwater The characteristic drop size is less than Water, oil, andamphiphilic based ink High surfactant 100 nm, and is determined by thesoluble dies can be used concentration required (around 5%) preferredcurvature of the surfactant. Can stabilize pigment suspensionsInk Jet Printing

A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed tofacilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing anddata distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can beincluded in printer devices incorporated as part of the presentinvention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to theseink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference. Theserial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications arealso provided for the sake of convenience. Australian U.S. Pat. No./Provisional Patent Application Number Filing Date Title and Filing DatePO8066 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ01) 6,227,652(Jul. 10, 1998) PO8072 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus(IJ02) 6,213,588 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8040 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Methodand Apparatus (IJ03) 6,213,589 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8071 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus (IJ04) 6,231,163 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO804715-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ05) 6,247,795 (Jul. 10,1998) PO8035 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ06)6,394,581 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8044 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus (IJ07) 6,244,691 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8063 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus (IJ08) 6,257,704 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO805715-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ09) 6,416,168 (Jul. 10,1998) PO8056 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ10)6,220,694 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8069 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus (IJ11) 6,257,705 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8049 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus (IJ12) 6,247,794 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO803615-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ13) 6,234,610 (Jul. 10,1998) PO8048 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ14)6,247,793 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8070 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus (IJ15) 6,264,306 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8067 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus (IJ16) 6,241,342 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO800115-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ17) 6,247,792 (Jul. 10,1998) PO8038 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ18)6,264,307 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8033 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus (IJ19) 6,254,220 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8002 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus (IJ20) 6,234,611 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO806815-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ21) 6,302,528 (Jul. 10,1998) PO8062 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ22)6,283,582 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8034 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus (IJ23) 6,239,821 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8039 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus (IJ24) 6,338,547 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO804115-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ25) 6,247,796 (Jul. 10,1998) PO8004 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ26)09/113,122 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8037 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus (IJ27) 6,390,603 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8043 15-Jul-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus (IJ28) 6,362,843 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO804215-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ29) 6,293,653 (Jul. 10,1998) PO8064 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ30)6,312,107 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9389 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus (IJ31) 6,227,653 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9391 23-Sep-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus (IJ32) 6,234,609 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP088812-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ33) 6,238,040 (Jul. 10,1998) PP0891 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ34)6,188,415 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method andApparatus (IJ35) 6,227,654 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0873 12-Dec-97 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus (IJ36) 6,209,989 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP099312-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ37) 6,247,791 (Jul. 10,1998) PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ38)6,336,710 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1398 19-Jan-98 An Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,217,153 (IJ39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2592 25-Mar-98 An ImageCreation Method and Apparatus 6,416,167 (IJ40) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP259325-Mar-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ41) 6,243,113 (Jul. 10,1998) PP3991 19-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ42)6,283,581 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3987 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method andApparatus (IJ43) 6,247,790 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3985 9-Jun-98 ImageCreation Method and Apparatus (IJ44) 6,260,953 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP39839-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and Apparatus (IJ45) 6,267,469 (Jul. 10,1998)Ink Jet Manufacturing

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductorfabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jetprinters. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in thefollowing Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated hereby cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding USpatent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.Australian U.S. Pat. No./ Provisional Patent Application Number FilingDate Title and Filing Date PO7935 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture ofan Image Creation 6,224,780 Apparatus (IJM01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO793615-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation 6,235,212Apparatus (IJM02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7937 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,280,643 Apparatus (IJM03) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8061 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,284,147 Apparatus (IJM04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8054 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,214,244 Apparatus (IJM05) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8065 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,071,750 Apparatus (IJM06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8055 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,267,905 Apparatus (IJM07) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8053 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,251,298 Apparatus (IJM08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8078 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,258,285 Apparatus (IJM09) (Jul. 10,1998) PO7933 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,225,138 Apparatus (IJM10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7950 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,241,904 Apparatus (IJM11) (Jul. 10,1998) PO7949 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,299,786 Apparatus (IJM12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8060 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 09/113,124 Apparatus (IJM13) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8059 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,231,773 Apparatus (IJM14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8073 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,190,931 Apparatus (IJM15) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8076 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,248,249 Apparatus (IJM16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8075 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,290,862 Apparatus (IJM17) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8079 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,241,906 Apparatus (IJM18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8050 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 09/113,116 Apparatus (IJM19) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8052 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,241,905 Apparatus (IJM20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7948 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,451,216 Apparatus (IJM21) (Jul. 10,1998) PO7951 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,231,772 Apparatus (IJM22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8074 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,274,056 Apparatus (IJM23) (Jul. 10,1998) PO7941 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,290,861 Apparatus (IJM24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8077 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,248,248 Apparatus (IJM25) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8058 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,306,671 Apparatus (IJM26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8051 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,331,258 Apparatus (IJM27) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8045 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,110,754 Apparatus (IJM28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7952 15-Jul-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,294,101 Apparatus (IJM29) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8046 15-Jul-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,416,679 Apparatus (IJM30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8503 11-Aug-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,264,849 Apparatus (IJM30a) (Jul. 10,1998) PO9390 23-Sep-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,254,793 Apparatus (IJM31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9392 23-Sep-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,235,211 Apparatus (IJM32) (Jul. 10,1998) PP0889 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,235,211 Apparatus (IJM35) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12-Dec-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,264,850 Apparatus (IJM36) (Jul. 10,1998) PP0882 12-Dec-97 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,258,284 Apparatus (IJM37) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0874 12-Dec-97 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,258,284 Apparatus (IJM38) (Jul. 10,1998) PP1396 19-Jan-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,228,668 Apparatus (IJM39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2591 25-Mar-98 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,180,427 Apparatus (IJM41) (Jul. 10,1998) PP3989 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,171,875 Apparatus (IJM40) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3990 9-Jun-98 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,267,904 Apparatus (IJM42) (Jul. 10,1998) PP3986 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,245,247 Apparatus (IJM43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3984 9-Jun-98 A Method ofManufacture of an Image Creation 6,245,247 Apparatus (IJM44) (Jul. 10,1998) PP3982 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image Creation6,231,148 Apparatus (IJM45) (Jul. 10, 1998)Fluid Supply

Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system tothe ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to aseries of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australianprovisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are herebyincorporated by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience. Australian U.S. Pat. No./ Provisional Patent ApplicationNumber Filing Date Title and Filing Date PO8003 15-Jul-97 Supply Methodand 6,350,023 Apparatus (F1) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8005 15-Jul-97 SupplyMethod and 6,318,849 Apparatus (F2) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9404 23-Sep-97 ADevice and 09/113,101 Method (F3) (Jul. 10, 1998)MEMS Technology

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductormicroelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays ofink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques aredescribed in the following Australian provisional patent specificationsincorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience. Australian U.S. Pat. No./ Provisional Patent ApplicationNumber Filing Date Title and Filing Date PO7943 15-Jul-97 A device(MEMS01) PO8006 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS02) 6,087,638 (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8007 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS03) 09/113,093 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO800815-Jul-97 A device (MEMS04) 6,340,222 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8010 15-Jul-97 Adevice (MEMS05) 6,041,600 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8011 15-Jul-97 A device(MEMS06) 6,299,300 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7947 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS07)6,067,797 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7945 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS08) 9/113,081(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7944 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS09) 6,286,935 (Jul. 10,1998) PO7946 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS10) 6,044,646 (Jul. 10, 1998)PO9393 23-Sep-97 A Device and Method 09/113,065 (MEMS11) (Jul. 10, 1998)PP0875 12-Dec-97 A Device (MEMS12) 09/113,078 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP089412-Dec-97 A Device and Method 09/113,075 (MEMS13) (Jul. 10, 1998)IR Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of adisposable camera system such as those described in the followingAustralian provisional patent specifications incorporated here bycross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding USpatent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.Australian U.S. Pat. No./ Provisional Patent Application Number FilingDate Title and Filing Date PP0895 12-Dec-97 An Image Creation Method andApparatus 6,231,148 (IR01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0870 12-Dec-97 A Device andMethod (IR02) 09/113,106 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0869 12-Dec-97 A Device andMethod (IR04) 6,293,658 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12-Dec-97 Image CreationMethod and Apparatus 09/113,104 (IR05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0885 12-Dec-97An Image Production System (IR06) 6,238,033 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP088412-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,312,070 (IR10) (Jul. 10,1998) PP0886 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,238,111(IR12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0871 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR13)09/113,086 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0876 12-Dec-97 An Image Processing Methodand 09/113,094 Apparatus (IR14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0877 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR16) 6,378,970 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0878 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR17) 6,196,739 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0879 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR18) 09/112,774 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0883 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR19) 6,270,182 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0880 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR20) 6,152,619 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0881 12-Dec-97 ADevice and Method (IR21) 09/113,092 (Jul. 10, 1998)DotCard Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a datadistribution system such as that described in the following Australianprovisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference.The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applicationsare also provided for the sake of convenience. Australian U.S. Pat. No./Provisional Filing Patent Application Number Date Title and Filing DatePP2370 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method 09/112,781 and Apparatus (Dot01)(Jul. 10, 1998) PP2371 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method 09/113,052 andApparatus (Dot02) (Jul. 10, 1998)Artcam Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of cameraand data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device asdescribed in the following Australian provisional patent specificationsincorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience. Australian U.S. Pat. No./ Provisional Patent ApplicationNumber Filing Date Title and Filing Date PO7991 15-Jul-97 ImageProcessing Method and Apparatus 09/113,060 (ART01) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7988 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,476,863 (ART02)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7993 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus09/113,073 (ART03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9395 23-Sep-97 Data ProcessingMethod and Apparatus 6,322,181 (ART04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8017 15-Jul-97Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,747 (ART06) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8014 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART07) 6,227,648 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO802515-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,750 (ART08) (Jul.10, 1998) PO8032 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus09/112,746 (ART09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7999 15-Jul-97 Image ProcessingMethod and Apparatus 09/112,743 (ART10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7998 15-Jul-97Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,742 (ART11) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8031 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,741(ART12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8030 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART13) 6,196,541(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7997 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART15) 6,195,150 (Jul.10, 1998) PO7979 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART16) 6,362,868 (Jul. 10,1998) PO8015 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART17) 09/112,738 (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7978 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART18) 09/113,067 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO798215-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,431,669 (ART19) (Jul.10, 1998) PO7989 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus6,362,869 (ART20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8019 15-Jul-97 Media ProcessingMethod and Apparatus 6,472,052 (ART21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7980 15-Jul-97Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,356,715 (ART22) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8018 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,777(ART24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7938 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method andApparatus 09/113,224 (ART25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8016 15-Jul-97 ImageProcessing Method and Apparatus 6,366,693 (ART26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO802415-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,329,990 (ART27) (Jul.10, 1998) PO7940 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus09/113,072 (ART28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7939 15-Jul-97 Data ProcessingMethod and Apparatus 09/112,785 (ART29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8501 11-Aug-97Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,137,500 (ART30) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8500 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,796(ART31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7987 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method andApparatus 09/113,071 (ART32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8022 15-Jul-97 ImageProcessing Method and Apparatus 6,398,328 (ART33) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO849711-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,090 (ART34) (Jul.10, 1998) PO8020 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus6,431,704 (ART38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8023 15-Jul-97 Data ProcessingMethod and Apparatus 09/113,222 (ART39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8504 11-Aug-97Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,786 (ART42) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8000 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,415,054 (ART43)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7977 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus09/112,782 (ART44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7934 15-Jul-97 Data ProcessingMethod and Apparatus 09/113,056 (ART45) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7990 15-Jul-97Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,059 (ART46) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8499 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,486,886 (ART47)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO8502 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus6,381,361 (ART48) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7981 15-Jul-97 Data ProcessingMethod and Apparatus 6,317,192 (ART50) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7986 15-Jul-97Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,057 (ART51) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7983 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/113,054 (ART52)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO8026 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus09/112,752 (ART53) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8027 15-Jul-97 Image ProcessingMethod and Apparatus 09/112,759 (ART54) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8028 15-Jul-97Image Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,757 (ART56) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO9394 23-Sep-97 Image Processing Method and Apparatus 6,357,135 (ART57)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO9396 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus09/113,107 (ART58) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9397 23-Sep-97 Data ProcessingMethod and Apparatus 6,271,931 (ART59) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9398 23-Sep-97Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,353,772 (ART60) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO9399 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,106,147 (ART61)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO9400 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus09/112,790 (ART62) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9401 23-Sep-97 Data ProcessingMethod and Apparatus 6,304,291 (ART63) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9402 23-Sep-97Data Processing Method and Apparatus 09/112,788 (ART64) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO9403 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus 6,305,770 (ART65)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO9405 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and Apparatus6,289,262 (ART66) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0959 16-Dec-97 A Data ProcessingMethod and 6,315,200 Apparatus (ART68) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1397 19-Jan-98A Media Device (ART69) 6,217,165 (Jul. 10, 1998)

1. A casing for a cartridge which is adapted for supplying print mediaand an ink to an inkjet printhead with which the cartridge is engaged,the casing including: a core rotatably mounted inside the casing whichis adapted to support a roll of print media; an ink supply inside thecore; and at least one ink outlet at one end of the core forestablishing fluid communication between the ink supply and theprinthead.
 2. A casing as claimed in claim 1 including a transportmechanism mounted inside the casing for transporting the print mediafrom the roll of print media to the printhead by rotating the core.
 3. Acasing as claimed in claim 2 wherein the casing is substantiallycongruent to the arrangement of the transport mechanism and the roll ofprint media, when full.
 4. A casing as claimed in claim 2 wherein thetransport mechanism includes a drive roller adapted to engage anexternal drive so as to be rotated and thereby transport the print mediafrom the roll of print media to the printhead.
 5. A casing as claimed inclaim 4 wherein the drive roller includes a geared axle that extendsbeyond the casing for engagement with the external drive via acorresponding gear.
 6. A casing as claimed in claim 4 wherein alongitudinal axis of the core, and the rollers of the drive rollerassembly are substantially parallel.
 7. A casing as claimed in claim 1wherein the casing includes a plurality of mouldings that are adapted tobe snap-locked together so as to encase at least the roll of printmedia, the core, the ink supply and the transport mechanism, themoldings being configured so that a slot is formed through which theprint media is transported by the transport mechanism, in use.
 8. Acasing as claimed in claim 7 wherein the slot includes a resilient guideextending away from the slot for resilient engagement with a paper pathleading to the printhead upon installation of the cartridge.
 9. A casingas claimed in claim 1 wherein the ink supply includes a plurality ofsegments for storing different coloured inks, and, the ink outlet of thecore includes an outlet for each segment.